Frequently Asked Questions
cancellation/rescheduling
At least 48 hours ahead of your session, you can handle your canceling and rescheduling needs via the Simple Practice portal. If you need to change an appointment within 48 hours, a charge for your full session fee will apply.
office access
contact outside of sessions
My office number can be used for brief text and voice communication about scheduling. Please do not use this number for emergency services or to convey information about your work with me.
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email: avery@whittingtontherapeutic.com
phone:‪ (206) 588-6869‬
emergency protocol
If you have a mental health emergency, do not wait for communication back from me, but do one or more of the following:
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Statewide mental health crisis number (to call/text in an emergency): 988
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Call Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 (National Crisis Line)
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Call 911
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Go to the emergency room of your choice
Details on Financial Philosophy
I share this information as part of my efforts to uphold my values of accountability to the power that you entrust me with and respecting your autonomy. I believe you should get to make an informed choice about where you spend your money.
Why I don't accept insurance
Choosing not to take insurance is not a decision that I take lightly. There are a few key considerations that led me here:
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Reduced overhead and administrative costs
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Reduced administrative time
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Flexibility in services
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Value of respecting client autonomy
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Increased privacy and protection for clients who are parts of targeted communities and/or hold marginalized identities
Why I charge the amount that I do
There are lots of cost that go into providing therapy which aren't necessarily seen in the clinical time. The fee that I set covers administrative time, professional development, overhead costs, and after all that, a bit of money for myself, a majority of which goes to student loans.
Current Plans for profits of Whittington Therapeutic Services
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I trust that as my practice develops and I become more familiar with community needs, my goals for ways to merge those will grow. At this time, my intention is to reserve some amount of profit for:
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Increased ability to provide care at lower than market average rates
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Future expansion into a group practice that prioritizes paying clinicians a livable wage because I believe that when clinicians are well supported, we can better support clients and the ripple effects of the change that we can all make is amplified.